[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 474 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]







108th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 474

    To express support for the goals of National Adoption Month by 
  promoting national awareness of adoption, celebrating children and 
  families involved in adoption, and encouraging Americans to secure 
          safety, permanency, and well-being for all children.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           November 19, 2004

    Ms. Landrieu (for herself, Mr. Craig, Mr. Bond, Mr. DeWine, Mr. 
 Fitzgerald, Mr. Levin, Mr. Santorum, Ms. Stabenow, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. 
Johnson, Mr. Brownback, Mr. Nickles, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Jeffords, and Ms. 
  Snowe) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and 
                               agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
    To express support for the goals of National Adoption Month by 
  promoting national awareness of adoption, celebrating children and 
  families involved in adoption, and encouraging Americans to secure 
          safety, permanency, and well-being for all children.

Whereas there are approximately 532,000 children in the foster care system in 
        the United States, approximately 129,000 of whom are waiting to be 
        adopted;
Whereas the average length of time a child in foster care remains in foster care 
        is almost 3 years;
Whereas for many foster children, the wait for a loving family in which they are 
        nurtured, comforted, and protected is endless;
Whereas every year 25,000 children ``age out'' of foster care by reaching 
        adulthood without being placed in a permanent home;
Whereas, since 1987, the number of annual adoptions has ranged from 118,000 to 
        127,000;
Whereas approximately 2,100,000 children in the United States live with adoptive 
        parents;
Whereas approximately 6 of every 10 Americans have been touched personally by 
        adoption in that they, a family member, or a close friend was adopted, 
        has adopted a child, or has placed a child for adoption;
Whereas every day loving and nurturing families are formed when committed and 
        dedicated individuals make an important difference in the life of a 
        child through adoption;
Whereas, on November 20, 2004, communities from all 50 States and the District 
        of Columbia will celebrate National Adoption Day by finalizing the 
        adoption of thousands of children by loving families; and
Whereas on November 4, 2004, the President proclaimed November 2004 as National 
        Adoption Month: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate recognizes November 2004 as National 
Adoption Month.
                                 <all>